Instant Mess*

 IM (Instant Messaging) is rapidly gaining acceptance as a legitimate business tool. By combining the immediacy of the telephone with the convenience of e-mail. IM promotes collaboration and speeds up communication among coworkers, business partners, and even customers.  Unfortunately, IM is also a mass of vulnerabilities waiting to be exploited.

• First, all IM traffic passes over the Internet in clear text, potentially exposing business communications to anyone with the right software (packet sniffer).
• Second, IM can subvert perimeter security devices and anti-virus scanners.
• Third, file swapping requires the user to select a directory to store swappable files. This enables others to have access and is a conduit for viruses and worms.

 Uptime Integrated Systems has solutions to deal with IM and file sharing application concerns regarding vulnerabilities along with many other computer security concerns. Please call us for more information or to set up an appointment to review your needs.

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* Network Magazine, Andrew Conry-Murray, business editor